Southlanders seem set for "a shock" when they learn their district council’s rate take could leap to 7.59% — more than twice what had been telegraphed in its long-term plan, a district councillor warns.
Cr John Douglas revealed the possible increase as councillors considered the 2020-21 annual plan projects at the full council meeting yesterday.
Councillors were advised there was no need to send the spending plan out for formal consultation, as "it was agreed that there are no significant variations that would result in formal consultation being undertaken".
A "community information sharing approach" should be undertaken instead, councillors were advised.
Cr Douglas disagreed and said he believed the possible proposed rates increase was significant.
" It's a quite significant rate increase to what was in the plan to what it is now . . . from 3.27 up to 7.59."
Planning and reporting analyst Shannon Oliver said the increase was due to projects the council had already consulted on, including 3 Waters, bridges and wastewater projects.
Staff would provide a breakdown of the rates soon.
Cr Douglas said the council should "sell the story" about the infrastructure investment deficits which led to the rates rise.
"But they will get a shock. We need to prepare them."
Cr Karen Owen also raised concerns.
"There is a feeling in a lot of people that council [does] consultation but actually doesn’t listen to the feedback."
After the meeting, Southland Mayor Gary Tong told The Otago Daily Times the numbers were still to be confirmed.
He believed the increase was related to projects added to the spending programme which the community had said were important.
"We had a community consultation and listened to what they required.
"What they want came with a cost."
